Sun Microsystems Inc yesterday unveiled the updated version of its Java Desktop System, expecting it to challenge Microsoft's Windows Desktop System in terms of price and desktop management.

　　Sun plans to offer a promotional price for the Linux-based operating system of US$50 through December, 85 percent cheaper than Microsoft's Windows, said company officials at a conference in Shanghai yesterday.

　　"The newly released Java Desktop System owns a three-dimensional operating desktop with an auto-updating security system," said Jonathan Schwartz, president and chief operating officer with Sun.

　　Schwartz displayed the system during a keynote speech at the two-day SunNetwork Conference ending today in Shanghai.

　　"Microsoft is the competition," said Schwartz in his speech.

　　In terms of its ambition to challenge the overwhelming status of Microsoft in the operating system sector, industry analysts don't expect Sun to win soon.

　　"Since Sun's market share and distribution channels are limited in Asia, it will be difficult for the company to win the battle over Microsoft in the short term," said Kazuhiko Kajihara, analyst and chief editor of Japan-based Open Enterprise magazine.

　　Kazuhiko also noted there are few software programs for Java desktops, though so far, nine other independent software vendors plan to offer their applications on the new system, according to Sun.

　　A Chinese firm has already started to make a Chinese version of Sun's Java system.

　　"The price for a Windows Desktop System, together with Office software, will add up to 1,000 yuan (US$120)," said Han Naiping, general manager of China Standard Software Co Ltd, which is now making the Chinese version of the Java system.